Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus cleverly turns the tables by quoting Scripture, not to diminish his own claim, but to show how the Old Testament itself uses the title "gods" for humans. This highlights that God’s Word can call certain people "gods" because they hold divine authority, setting the stage for Jesus to claim his unique, God-given identity without blasphemy.
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Jews, incensed by Jesus claiming to be one with the Father, pick up stones to kill him for blasphemy. Jesus stops them by reminding them of their own Law, specifically a psalm where God himself calls certain people "gods," demonstrating that the title can be applied to humans in specific contexts. He uses this to show their accusation against him is unfounded, setting the stage for him to more directly assert his divine identity.
When Jesus faced accusations of blasphemy, He didn't back down. Instead, He pointed to their own Scriptures and asked a radical question about the use of the word 'god'.
Jesus is accused of blasphemy for claiming to be God (John 10:33). His response isn't to deny the claim, but to challenge their interpretation of their own sacred texts. He quotes Psalm 82:6, "I said, you are gods."
A Wider Definition
The word 'Law' here, like in other parts of John's Gospel, refers to the entire Old Testament, not just the first five books. Jesus is showing that Scripture itself uses the term 'gods' in a broader sense than they are applying it to Him.
Divine Representation
Scripture calls certain individuals 'gods' not because they possess divine nature, but because they represent God's authority on earth. These are often rulers, judges, or leaders appointed by God to carry out His will. By using this scriptural precedent, Jesus highlights their inconsistency in condemning Him while overlooking this established usage.
Jesus doesn't just point out the use of 'gods' for human leaders; He uses it to elevate His own unique identity.
The core of Jesus' argument is a 'lesser to greater' appeal. If Scripture could call human authorities 'gods' because they were appointed by God and represented Him, how much more is He, whom the Father 'sanctified and sent into the world,' rightly called the Son of God?
The Inconsistency of the Accusers
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Jesus exposes their hypocrisy. They are quick to condemn Him for blasphemy but overlook the instances where Scripture itself uses such elevated language for humans acting in a divine capacity. Their charge of blasphemy only holds if they ignore the precedent set in their own Law and the Psalms.
A Unique Sanctification
Jesus contrasts the general, representative 'godhood' of human rulers with His own unique relationship with the Father. He was "sanctified and sent into the world" – a divine consecration and mission that sets Him apart. This wasn't just an appointment; it was a divine endowment and purpose, making His claim as the Son of God far more profound than the title given to human judges.
Understand the original words
nomos · Greek Noun
Refers to the entire body of inspired writings (the Old Testament); the term highlights the authoritative, divine nature of the sacred text.
theos · Greek Noun
In the context of the quotation from Psalm 82, it refers to those who receive divine authority or judicial office; Jesus uses it to defend His unique identity as the Son of God.
Jesus' reference to Psalm 82:6 is a sophisticated defense, using the Old Testament's own language to argue that if divinely appointed human judges could be called 'gods,' then his claim to be the Son of God was not blasphemy, but a reflection of his unique divine identity.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Flourishes
During the united and later divided monarchy, Israelite kings were seen as God's representatives on earth, ruling under divine authority.
c. 700 BC
Psalms Compiled
Psalm 82, containing the verse Jesus quotes, is likely compiled into its final form, addressing judges who were failing in their God-appointed roles.
c. 400 BC
Old Testament Canon Solidifies
The collection of texts considered divinely inspired, including the Law and the Psalms, becomes more formally recognized by Jewish communities.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus actively teaches and performs miracles throughout Judea and Galilee, challenging religious authorities and proclaiming his unique relationship with God the Father.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Confrontation in the Temple Courtyard
Jesus is confronted by Jewish leaders in the Temple. Following a discussion about his identity and authority, they pick up stones to kill him, accusing him of blasphemy.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Defense of His Divinity
Jesus defends his claim to be the Son of God by referencing the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 82, arguing that even human judges were called 'gods'.
This is the direct source of the Scripture Jesus quotes, revealing that even human judges, in their role as God's representatives, were called 'gods'.
Exodus 22:28This passage demonstrates a principle where rulers, acting as God's appointed authorities, are even instructed not to revile 'gods' (referring to judges or rulers), highlighting the honor given to human authority in God's sight.
Romans 13:1-2This New Testament passage reinforces the idea that human governing authorities are established by God, providing a conceptual link to why such figures might be described with elevated titles.
John 1:1This passage establishes Jesus' divine nature as the eternal Word who was with God and was God, providing the essential backdrop for understanding why His claim to be the 'Son of God' is fundamentally different from any human being being called 'gods'.
calvinJohn 10:31-36: "Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him."
- Then the Jews again took up stones to stone him. 32. Jesus answered them, Many good works I have shown you from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me? 33. The Jews answered him, We stone thee not for the sake of a good work, but for blasphemy, and, because thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your Law, I said, You are gods? 35. If it called them gods, to whom the w…
henryJohn 10:31-38: "Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him."
10:31-38 Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mi…
Jesus cleverly turns the tables by quoting Scripture, not to diminish his own claim, but to show how the Old Testament itself uses the title "gods" for humans. This highlights that God’s Word can call certain people "gods" because they hold divine authority, setting the stage for Jesus to claim his unique, God-given identity without blasphemy.
The Jews, incensed by Jesus claiming to be one with the Father, pick up stones to kill him for blasphemy. Jesus stops them by reminding them of their own Law, specifically a psalm where God himself calls certain people "gods," demonstrating that the title can be applied to humans in specific contexts. He uses this to show their accusation against him is unfounded, setting the stage for him to more directly assert his divine identity.
The Jews, incensed by Jesus claiming to be one with the Father, pick up stones to kill him for blasphemy. Jesus stops them by reminding them of their own Law, specifically a psalm where God himself calls certain people "gods," demonstrating that the title can be applied to humans in specific contexts. He uses this to show their accusation against him is unfounded, setting the stage for him to more directly assert his divine identity.
"Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?" — Jesus cleverly turns the tables by quoting Scripture, not to diminish his own claim, but to show how the Old Testament itself uses the title "gods" for humans. This highlights that God’s Word can cal…
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Last reviewed October 2026